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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Rates Of Hiv And Hsv-2 Among Young People In Machinga, Malawi, Barbara Mensch, Erica Soler-Hampejsek Jan 2017

Rates Of Hiv And Hsv-2 Among Young People In Machinga, Malawi, Barbara Mensch, Erica Soler-Hampejsek

HIV and AIDS

To better understand the epidemiological context for the DREAMS programming, Project SOAR analyzed previously collected quantitative cohort data from the Population Council’s Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Study (MSAS) to identify the prevalence and incidence of HIV and the herpes simplex virus, commonly referred to as genital herpes. SOAR’s analysis provides a deeper understanding of the changing epidemiological and gendered context of the HIV epidemic in Machinga. The youth cohort data from the MSAS provide accurate estimates of HIV prevalence over time and HIV incidence, thereby filling important data gaps.


Reducing Hiv Risk Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women, And Their Partners Through The Dreams Partnership In Malawi, Project Soar Jan 2017

Reducing Hiv Risk Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women, And Their Partners Through The Dreams Partnership In Malawi, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Project SOAR is conducting implementation science research in Malawi to build needed evidence to inform decisionmaking about effective programming to reduce HIV risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and their male partners. Specifically, SOAR is: examining approaches to identify the most at-risk girls, particularly those out of school, and enroll and retain them in DREAMS programming; assessing HIV-risk and health-seeking behaviors before and after AGYW’s engagement in DREAMS interventions; exploring how to reach AGYW’s male sexual partners and increase their uptake of HIV services; and assessing facilitators and barriers to HIV service uptake by men living with HIV. …


Adolescent Girls And Young Women’S Perceptions Of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Introduction In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council Jan 2017

Adolescent Girls And Young Women’S Perceptions Of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Introduction In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Programme and CSK Research Solutions Ltd., conducted implementation science research in Tanzania to identify key considerations for introducing pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) antiretroviral medication to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) at substantial risk of HIV infection. This brief presents results from qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with AGYWs. Based on the findings, the brief recommends including sensitization and education of communities, parents, and male partners of AGYWs in demand-creation activities; training providers to deliver adequate education about PrEP to avoid misperceptions about its intended use, side effects, and …


Assessing Hiv-Related Outcomes Among Key Populations Accessing Community-Based Test And Start Services In Nigeria, Project Soar Jan 2017

Assessing Hiv-Related Outcomes Among Key Populations Accessing Community-Based Test And Start Services In Nigeria, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

This activity brief describes a research study Project SOAR is conducting to better understand how to use existing key population community platforms in Nigeria to expand access to HIV treatment, the cost of such care provided outside of clinical health facilities, and the extent to which false positive misclassification may occur in outreach settings. Given the global “treat all” emphasis and the need to effectively scale up test and start services and minimize misclassification rates, these findings will be important in expanding timely antiretroviral treatment coverage in vulnerable communities in Nigeria and elsewhere.


Assessment Of Comprehensive Hiv-Risk Reduction Programming For Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Implementation Science Research In Zambia, Population Council Jan 2017

Assessment Of Comprehensive Hiv-Risk Reduction Programming For Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Implementation Science Research In Zambia, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council is conducting implementation research to build needed evidence to inform decisionmaking around effective implementation of community-based, girl-centered interventions and to assess their effectiveness in reducing HIV vulnerability among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW)—a population in which AIDS is the leading cause of death in the region. Learnings from this study in Zambia and similar ones in Kenya and Malawi will be valuable for informing each country and the region how to implement AGYW programming that goes beyond the health sector to reduce AGYW's vulnerability to HIV.


Characteristics Associated With Hiv And Hsv-2 Among Adolescents In Malawi, Barbara Mensch, Erica Soler-Hampejsek Jan 2017

Characteristics Associated With Hiv And Hsv-2 Among Adolescents In Malawi, Barbara Mensch, Erica Soler-Hampejsek

HIV and AIDS

The DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) partnership aims to significantly reduce new HIV infections in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Malawi and other sub-Saharan African countries. To better understand the epidemiological context for the DREAMS programming, Project SOAR analyzed previously collected quantitative cohort data from the Population Council’s Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Study to identify the factors associated with the prevalence and incidence of HIV and the herpes simplex virus, commonly referred to as genital herpes. SOAR’s analysis provides a deeper understanding of the epidemiological and gendered context of the HIV epidemic in Malawi. This …


Effective Engagement Of Male Partners Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Uganda, Population Council Jan 2017

Effective Engagement Of Male Partners Of Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Uganda, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council is conducting implementation research in Uganda, in collaboration with local partner organizations, to learn more about men’s relationships with adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and how HIV services can better engage them—two neglected areas of research. Similar studies are being conducted in South Africa, Swaziland, and Malawi. Learnings from these studies will be valuable for informing ongoing programming in Uganda and the region, as well as HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts for AGYW and their male partners globally, particularly in this era of test and start.


Evaluation A Depression Treatment Program On Hiv Care And Mental Health Outcomes In Malawi, Project Soar Jan 2017

Evaluation A Depression Treatment Program On Hiv Care And Mental Health Outcomes In Malawi, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

This brief outlines a Project SOAR study which will provide critical evidence on the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of an integrated depression treatment model for improving retention in and adherence to HIV care in Malawi. Among people initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART), those with depression are a large and especially vulnerable population. Depression affects 18–30 percent of patients receiving HIV care in Africa and is an important barrier to early ART retention. Evidence revealed by the study will have implications not only for the applicability of the model in Malawi but for other countries in sub-Saharan Africa as well.


Evaluation Of The “One Community” Program In Malawi, Project Soar Jan 2017

Evaluation Of The “One Community” Program In Malawi, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

“One Community” is the United States Agency for International Development’s flagship community-based response to Malawi’s HIV epidemic. The primary objective of One Community is to support the government’s efforts to reduce new infections and to mitigate the impact of HIV among orphans and vulnerable children, out-of-school adolescent girls and young women, and other at-risk populations in eight districts in the southern region of Malawi. Project SOAR is conducting a rigorous evaluation of One Community in five of the eight program districts. The results from this evaluation will be used to inform Malawi’s support strategies for at-risk populations, improve the United …


Parents' And Guardians' Perceptions Of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Introduction In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council Jan 2017

Parents' And Guardians' Perceptions Of Oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Introduction In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council, in collaboration with the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) and CSK Research Solutions Ltd., conducted implementation science research in two research sites in Tanzania to identify key considerations for introducing oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The NACP and members of the study’s research utilization committee recognized the importance of learning about parents’ and guardians’ attitudes and perceptions of PrEP use by their adolescent and young adult daughters and peers to inform the PrEP implementation process in Tanzania. Moreover, existing research in Tanzania finds that parents communicate with their children about sexual …


Preventing Pediatric Tuberculosis: A Randomized Trial Of Symptom-Based Screening Of South African Children Exposed To Tuberculosis, Population Council Jan 2017

Preventing Pediatric Tuberculosis: A Randomized Trial Of Symptom-Based Screening Of South African Children Exposed To Tuberculosis, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

In South Africa, a country with one of the highest levels of HIV prevalence, HIV-positive adults are the source case for a large proportion of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases. Unfortunately, TB index cases are not consistently asked about their child contacts, not all child contacts present to the clinic for TB screening, and it remains unknown what proportion of child contacts receive isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT)—a highly effective treatment for preventing TB in these children, long recommended by the World Health Organization. Project SOAR is assessing whether a symptom-based screening approach by TB nurses in community health clinics is more …


Project Yes! Youth Engaging For Success: A Peer Mentoring Program To Transition Youth To Hiv Self-Management In Zambia, Project Soar Jan 2017

Project Yes! Youth Engaging For Success: A Peer Mentoring Program To Transition Youth To Hiv Self-Management In Zambia, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

This activity brief describes an operational study that responds to challenges and evidence gaps in Zambia about how to support adolescents and young adults living with HIV (YLHIV) in having a greater and more effective role in the management of their own care. The study aimed to refine and test a peer-mentoring strategy in Zambia to strengthen the capacity of health systems and families to support youth as they transition to, and engage in, self-management and adult HIV care and treatment. This approach builds on previous Ministry of Health–approved research at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital with YLHIV and their families. …


Providers' Views On Prep For Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council Jan 2017

Providers' Views On Prep For Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Tanzania: Findings From Implementation Science Research, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

In collaboration with the Tanzania National AIDS Control Programme and CSK Research Solutions Ltd., the Population Council conducted an implementation science research study to identify key considerations among healthcare providers for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) introduction to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in an urban and a rural setting in Dar Es Salaam and Mbeya districts, respectively. This brief presents results from a survey and in-depth interviews conducted with healthcare providers in each setting, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about PrEP; willingness to prescribe PrEP to AGYW; and perceived barriers and facilitators to providing PrEP to AGYW. The …


Stakeholder Considerations For Prep Introduction To Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Laying The Groundwork For Research Utilization In Tanzania, Population Council Jan 2017

Stakeholder Considerations For Prep Introduction To Adolescent Girls And Young Women: Laying The Groundwork For Research Utilization In Tanzania, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

In collaboration with the Tanzania National AIDS Control Programme and CSK Research Solutions Ltd., the Population Council is conducting an implementation science research study in that country to build needed evidence to inform decisionmaking around oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) introduction to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15–24. The study uses quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from AGYW, policymakers and other stakeholders, health providers, and AGYW’s parents and male partners to: assess their knowledge and attitudes toward oral PrEP; determine opportunities and approaches for providing PrEP; and identify potential facilitators and barriers to PrEP introduction and use. …


Understanding Married Women's Vulnerability To Hiv Infection In Egypt: An Exploratory Study, Doaa Oraby, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab Jan 2016

Understanding Married Women's Vulnerability To Hiv Infection In Egypt: An Exploratory Study, Doaa Oraby, Nahla G. Abdel-Tawab

Reproductive Health

This study examines the behavioral, sociocultural, economic, programmatic, and legal factors that aggravate Egyptian women’s vulnerabilities to HIV/AIDS. The study concludes that in low-prevalence settings like Egypt, targeted interventions are the most strategic and cost-effective: for example, HIV awareness-raising with a special focus on the preventive role of consistent, correct condom use, and creating a cadre of peers that could provide psychosocial support and HIV counseling to migrant workers. Furthermore, premarital and antenatal care programs should include HIV awareness-raising and provider-initiated counseling and testing after screening of women to identify those at risk for HIV infection. Concurrently, efforts should be …


Sexual And Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Among Early Adolescents And Young Adults In Uganda: Findings From A Link Up Exploratory Study, Population Council Jan 2016

Sexual And Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Among Early Adolescents And Young Adults In Uganda: Findings From A Link Up Exploratory Study, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council collaborated with Makerere University’s Child Health and Development Centre to conduct a study of males and females ages 10–24 to help inform future programs and policies affecting these young people. This study was conducted as part of the Link Up project, a global consortium led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance that aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young vulnerable people. Results indicate that adolescents and young adults have broad gaps in their knowledge about HIV and SRHR; early adolescents fared significantly worse in these areas than their older counterparts, suggesting that …


Building Evidence To Guide Prep Introduction For Adolescent Girls And Young Women, Nanlesta Pilgrim, Sanyukta Mathur, Ann Gottert, Naomi Rutenberg, Julie Pulerwitz Jan 2016

Building Evidence To Guide Prep Introduction For Adolescent Girls And Young Women, Nanlesta Pilgrim, Sanyukta Mathur, Ann Gottert, Naomi Rutenberg, Julie Pulerwitz

HIV and AIDS

This document was developed by the Population Council, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to provide DREAMS country teams with practical guidance on building evidence to guide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) introduction for adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). The primary audiences for this document are health policymakers and program planners who will be making decisions about how PrEP is introduced and the researchers who will assess AGYW’s specific needs and experiences. Our aim is to complement emerging global guidance on PrEP and ongoing work regarding delivery platforms, marketing, and policy and regulatory frameworks for PrEP introduction more …


Estimating The Costs Of Providing Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision In South Africa, Project Soar Jan 2016

Estimating The Costs Of Providing Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision In South Africa, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

The South African government introduced voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as an HIV-prevention intervention in 2010, based on the compelling evidence that VMMC reduces men’s risk of becoming HIV infected by approximately 60 percent. To inform strategic planning for continued scale-up of its VMMC program and better understand cost drivers and cost variances across provinces, the South African National Department of Health in 2014 requested estimates of the unit cost of VMMC and the level of current spending for VMMC demand creation. The results of this study provide a comprehensive analysis of the unit cost of providing VMMC in South …


Using Peers To Improve Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights Of Young People Living With Hiv In Uganda: Findings From A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council Jan 2016

Using Peers To Improve Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights Of Young People Living With Hiv In Uganda: Findings From A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Link Up, a global consortium led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, sought to meet the immediate HIV care needs and also the broader sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for Ugandan young people living with HIV (YPLHIV), by creating linkages between comprehensive community- and facility-based HIV and SRHR services. In addition, Link Up delivered health education, counseling, and peer support tailored to the needs of YPLHIV in order to educate and empower them to recognize their rights, and feel confident in seeking health services. This brief presents findings from the Population Council’s evaluation of Link Up activities among YPLHIV …


How To Reduce Hiv Risk Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Sub-Saharan Africa? Implementation Science Around The Dreams Initiative, Population Council Jan 2016

How To Reduce Hiv Risk Among Adolescent Girls And Young Women In Sub-Saharan Africa? Implementation Science Around The Dreams Initiative, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the US Agency for International Development through Project SOAR, is leading the implementation science portfolio of the timely and innovative DREAMS partnership in 10 sub-Saharan countries, producing evidence to strengthen DREAMS activities and other community-based programming. The Council’s research focuses on how best to reach the most vulnerable adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and their male partners and engage them in activities and services, and how to roll out pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among AGYW. By examining these critical HIV prevention issues, the Council’s …


Does Shifting Gender Norms On The Community Level Lead To Increased Hiv Services Uptake?, Project Soar Jan 2016

Does Shifting Gender Norms On The Community Level Lead To Increased Hiv Services Uptake?, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Project SOAR and partners are building on an ongoing National Institute of Mental Health–funded randomized controlled trial being conducted in South Africa—Community Mobilization for Treatment as Prevention. Specifically, the study aims to strengthen and expand the gender content of the intervention to engage both women and men in critically examining gender norms and power inequalities. This brief presents the particularly timely study that will address a key question in the field as to how gender norms may operate to affect HIV service utilization. Building the evidence base in this area is vital for improving care outcomes as well as creating …


Addressing Intimate Partner Violence And Power In Relationships In Hiv Testing Services: Results Of An Intervention Piloted In Nairobi, Kenya, Nicole Haberland, Charity Ndwiga, Katharine Mccarthy, Margaret Makanyengo, Rose Kosgei, Cecilia Choi, Julie Pulerwitz, Sam Kalibala Jan 2016

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence And Power In Relationships In Hiv Testing Services: Results Of An Intervention Piloted In Nairobi, Kenya, Nicole Haberland, Charity Ndwiga, Katharine Mccarthy, Margaret Makanyengo, Rose Kosgei, Cecilia Choi, Julie Pulerwitz, Sam Kalibala

HIV and AIDS

The overarching goal of this study was to pilot an approach to HIV testing services (HTS) that addresses intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual relationship power (SRP) inequalities, and explores the intervention’s potential for improving uptake and retention of antiretroviral therapy and prevention of mother-to-child transmission services. The project was implemented in Kenyatta National Hospital’s (KNH) antenatal care (ANC) clinic, and examined intermediate indicators of effect, as well as operational issues around incorporating attention to IPV in hospital procedures, especially in high-volume, high-need settings like KNH’s. The findings from this study suggest that providing some minimal IPV/SRP counseling to all …


Retrospective Review Of Task-Shifting Community-Based Programs Supporting Arv Treatment And Retention In Uganda, Sam Kalibala, Jerry Okal, Brady Zieman, Nrupa Jani, Lung Vu, Josephine Birungi, Stephen Okoboi, Jonathan Wangisi, Christine Nabiryo, Joanne Lyavala Okullu, Michael Etukoit, Lydia Buzaalirwa, Augustine Lubanga, Paul Kiyingi, Jonathan Ikapule, Syson Nakyeyune, Stephen Nakibinge, Penninah Lutung, Samuel Waliggo, Joseph Nsamba, Yashien Wamanga, Joseph Kamya, Robina Sentongo, Robert Yiga Jan 2016

Retrospective Review Of Task-Shifting Community-Based Programs Supporting Arv Treatment And Retention In Uganda, Sam Kalibala, Jerry Okal, Brady Zieman, Nrupa Jani, Lung Vu, Josephine Birungi, Stephen Okoboi, Jonathan Wangisi, Christine Nabiryo, Joanne Lyavala Okullu, Michael Etukoit, Lydia Buzaalirwa, Augustine Lubanga, Paul Kiyingi, Jonathan Ikapule, Syson Nakyeyune, Stephen Nakibinge, Penninah Lutung, Samuel Waliggo, Joseph Nsamba, Yashien Wamanga, Joseph Kamya, Robina Sentongo, Robert Yiga

HIV and AIDS

The purpose of this study was to examine examples of task-shifting programs in Uganda with the aim of generating data that could inform the development of task-shifting policies, guidelines, and practices. The overall purpose of the study was to contribute to the growing knowledge base about task-shifting by describing the service delivery approaches of three purposively selected major AIDS service organizations (ASOs) in Uganda that have adopted task-shifting. The study showed that in the three ASOs, almost all key tasks in antiretroviral therapy (ART), including determining eligibility, initiating ART, and dispensing antiretrovirals, can be feasibly shifted to lower-level cadres or …


Impact Of Peer Education And On-Site Clinical Services For Female Sex Workers In Bangladesh Brothels: A Link Up Evaluation Study, Population Council Jan 2016

Impact Of Peer Education And On-Site Clinical Services For Female Sex Workers In Bangladesh Brothels: A Link Up Evaluation Study, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

This brief describes an evaluation of a brothel-based HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) intervention that combined peer outreach with the provision of on-site clinical services in several Bangladesh brothels. The aim of this evaluation was to assess whether peer educator one-on-one or group sessions and on-site satellite clinics improved SRHR knowledge and behaviors among women who sell sex in three Bangladesh brothels. The study was conducted by the Population Council as part of the Link Up project, a global consortium led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance aimed at improving the SRHR of young people. The findings …


An Integrated Peer Outreach And Clinic-Based Intervention To Improve The Sexual Health Of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men In Myanmar: A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council Jan 2016

An Integrated Peer Outreach And Clinic-Based Intervention To Improve The Sexual Health Of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men In Myanmar: A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

This brief describes an evaluation that assessed the impact of a peer-driven intervention for young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Myanmar, designed to improve the sexual health and rights of this marginalized community. The intervention and evaluation activities were conducted as part of Link Up, a global consortium led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance aimed at improving sexual and reproductive health and rights among young vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia. In collaboration with the Burnet Institute, the Population Council–led evaluation study sought to assess whether the Link Up intervention improved sexual and health-seeking behaviors, and whether …


Reducing Provider-Held Stigma And Improving Young Client Satisfaction In Bangladesh: Findings From A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council Jan 2016

Reducing Provider-Held Stigma And Improving Young Client Satisfaction In Bangladesh: Findings From A Link Up Evaluation, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

To address HIV stigma in Bangladesh, a training program was designed and evaluated among service providers as part of Link Up, a global project led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance designed to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people. These trainings aimed at sensitizing healthcare providers to the needs and rights of young people at high risk of stigmatization—such as sex workers, sexual minorities, or young people who engage in premarital sex. The Population Council collaborated with Marie Stopes International Bangladesh (MSIB) to evaluate whether stigma-reduction trainings improved provider attitudes toward these young marginalized populations, …


Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights Needs Of Young Men Who Live In The Streets In Dhaka City: A Link Up Exploratory Study, Population Council Jan 2016

Sexual And Reproductive Health And Rights Needs Of Young Men Who Live In The Streets In Dhaka City: A Link Up Exploratory Study, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Under the Link Up project—a global consortium led by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs—the Population Council conducted an exploratory study of the HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs of young men who live in the streets of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. The study investigated their knowledge, behaviors, needs, and service utilization related to HIV and SRHR. The findings elucidate the substantial vulnerabilities and risks faced by young men who live in the streets of Dhaka City, most notably in terms of sexual risk and physical violence. Participants reported very …


Developing An Implementation Science Research Agenda To Improve The Treatment And Care Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With Hiv In Sub-Saharan Africa, Julie Denison, Audrey Pettifor, Lynne Mofenson, Deanna Kerrigan Jan 2016

Developing An Implementation Science Research Agenda To Improve The Treatment And Care Outcomes Among Adolescents Living With Hiv In Sub-Saharan Africa, Julie Denison, Audrey Pettifor, Lynne Mofenson, Deanna Kerrigan

HIV and AIDS

In February 2016, Project SOAR convened a Technical Advisory Network meeting, attended by more than 50 international and domestic thought leaders in adolescent HIV care research and a small group of youth from southern Africa who are living with HIV. To prepare the groundwork for the meeting, SOAR produced a background paper synthesizing the literature on HIV continuum of care outcomes among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa, where most adolescent cases of HIV are concentrated. This report presents the findings from the literature review and highlights from the Technical Advisory Network meeting. The first section is a …


Impact Of A Community-Based, Hiv Intervention On Antiretroviral Treatment Retention And Adherence In Tanzania, Project Soar Jan 2016

Impact Of A Community-Based, Hiv Intervention On Antiretroviral Treatment Retention And Adherence In Tanzania, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Project SOAR is contributing to the evidence base on community-based care models by conducting implementation research in Tanzania, a country where 1.5 million people are in need of HIV care services, and where clients eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) often drop out or are lost to follow up. While the country has a cadre of community-based HIV service (CBHS) providers, they remain largely informal. Project SOAR and its partners are evaluating a coordinated, integrated model in which CBHS providers deliver an enhanced service package to HIV-positive clients. The evaluation will advance understanding of the value of CBHS providers in improving …


Project Soar's Approach To Research Utilization, Project Soar Jan 2016

Project Soar's Approach To Research Utilization, Project Soar

HIV and AIDS

Project SOAR (Supporting Operational AIDS Research) conducts operations research (OR) with the aim of producing a large, multi-faceted body of high-quality evidence that can guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies for HIV prevention, care, and treatment. OR provides the needed evidence to make sound policy and program decisions at national, subnational, and service-delivery levels by identifying practical solutions to challenges delivering program services. Translating OR findings into action at these levels requires two-way information exchange between people who can apply research findings and researchers. Project SOAR’s premise is that this exchange will bring about eventual use of …